Information for Family and Guests

To enhance public safety, please observe the following restrictions for all commencement activities on the Chapman University Campus. Patrons will not be allowed to bring the following items inside the event venue. These policies are subject to change without notice.

• No food or drinks are allowed in the Commencement venues

• No balloons

• No large bags, backpacks, or large purses

• No firearms, knives, explosives or other weapons

• No coolers or other containers except in cases of medical

need, as certified by a physician

• No artificial noisemakers, air horns or megaphones may

be used

• No large signs, flags, poles, banners, or laser pointers

• No pets allowed, except trained service animals

• All Commencement venues have the authority to prohibit any

items deemed a security risk.

• Inspections of small receptacles (bags) might be required as

you enter event venues

Degree Ceremonies: There is no limit to the number of guests a graduate may invite and we encourage our graduates to invite as many guests as they would like to celebrate this achievement.

Seating is on a first come, first served basis. Entry gates to Wilson Field open 30 minutes prior to the start of each ceremony.

The University Commencement Ceremony: Guest tickets will be required. Students can reserve their guest tickets through Chapman Ticketing beginning on February 25.

We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully.

To request an accommodation, or for inquiries about accessibility, please email commencement@chapman.edu, or call 714-997-6740.

All university ceremonies will be streamed in real time to select screens in the Student Union in Argyros Forum for guests.

Additionally, links to the live webcasts will be published on the Chapman Commencement Website during commencement week so that ceremonies may be viewed by family and friends around the globe.

View Interactive Campus Map >>
View Commencement Map >>

Please note that there is no parking located at One University Drive, Orange CA. Please use the flagged parking structures in the interactive campus map linked above.

Additionally, for the use of any ride sharing apps. please use the following addresses for drop off locations.

Schmid Gate: 423 North Glassell Street, Orange, CA 92866

McCardle Gate: 300 East Walnut Avenue, Orange, CA 92867

Keck Center Entrance: 400 North Center Street, Orange, CA 92866

Parking will be free in all designated parking structures and lots. Curbside permits are not required on local streets during Commencement Weekend. Please allow yourself ample time to park your vehicle and walk to your ceremony site.

Additionally, allow yourself plenty of time to navigate out of parking areas following the ceremony when you are considering making dining reservations. It can take up to 30 minutes to exit the Barrera Parking Structure and up to one hour to exit the Anderson Structure. 

Please visit our Commencement Resources page for information on ordering academic regalia, announcements, and other commencement related items.

Ceremonies will take place as scheduled unless extreme weather creates a safety hazard.